Britain to compensate Kenyans injured by bombs
Britain’s Ministry of Defence looks set to compensate Kenyan tribespeople injured by unexploded bombs left on their land following British Army exercises, lawyers for the victims said today.
The UK’s government agreed to go to mediation in a bid to resolve the dispute before legal action launched last April by 220 members of the Masai and Samburu tribes goes to court.
Solicitor Martyn Day said he expected the decision to result in most, if not all, of the claimants receiving compensation, which could total more than €8 million.
He said: ‘‘I am delighted that the MoD has at last come to its senses. Since putting the claim to them back in April of last year, we have been faced with one misleading statement after another as to what actually went on in Kenya.
‘‘At last, there seems to be recognition that the responsibility for the appalling injuries and loss of life seen in these areas is primarily the responsibility of the British Army.
‘‘Hopefully we can come to a speedy resolution of the claims and my clients can start the process of rebuilding their lives.’’
Britain has used firing ranges in the Archer’s Post and Dol Dol areas of Kenya for more than 50 years.
The claimants allege that hundreds of local people have been killed and maimed over the years after stumbling across unexploded munitions, often while tending flocks of animals. Many of those injured have been children, they say.
The 220 tribespeople involved in the action are claiming an average of €40,000 each in compensation for lost limbs and the death of relatives.
